Honda’s motorcycle operations continue to deliver record levels of domination in global markets, according to full-year financial results to 31 March 2014.
A staggering total of 17.02 million Honda-branded motorcycles and ATVs were delivered to dealers worldwide during this 12-month period, an annual increase of 9.9 per cent. The number of bikes actually manufactured by wholly-owned Honda subsidiaries (rather than joint-venture affiliates) was up by 8.8 per cent to 10.34 million units.
India, Indonesia and Brazil were highlighted as particularly notable growth areas. Sales in Asian emerging markets were up by 11.5 per cent, accounting for 14.54 million units. North America stacked on 10.4 per cent to 276,000 units. However, Europe was 7.3 per cent down at 166,000 units.
Revenue from bikes rose by 9.3 per cent to £9.64bn. Resultant operating profit from the sector grew by a muscular 50.2 per cent to £960m.
In its forthcoming financial year to 31 March 2015, Honda expects to increase bike sales volume by a further 7.2 per cent to 18.24 million units.